A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Informed consent from participants is a fundamental ethical consideration in psychological research. This principle ensures that participants are fully aware of the nature of the study, the procedures involved, any potential risks, and their right to withdraw at any time without penalty. Obtaining informed consent respects the autonomy and dignity of participants, allowing them to make an educated decision about their involvement in the research.

This ethical guideline is critical for maintaining the integrity of the research process and protecting participants' rights. It helps build trust between researchers and participants and upholds the ethical standards set by institutional review boards and ethical guidelines in psychological research.

The other options do not align with the core principles of ethical research practices. For instance, maximum participant deception undermines the ethical principle of honesty and transparency. Continuous participant monitoring may pose privacy concerns if not handled appropriately. Lastly, ambiguity in research findings can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, detracting from the clarity and purpose of the study.